Social worker pilot program unveiled in OTC
News | Published on April 7, 2025 at 6:55pm GMT+0000 | Author: Tucker Henderson
0By Tom Hintgen
Otter Tail County Correspondent
A social worker pilot program was approved March 25 by the five-person Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners. The service aims to avoid the need for commitment and to enable the proposed patient to voluntarily engage in needed treatment.
The action by the county board follows 2024 legislative approval of a law that provides for what’s termed as the Early Engagement Pilot Program. An allocation is provided to Otter Tail County.
This position will be funded for two years, and the new hire will be informed that if, after two years, the county board does not foresee future benefits, the position will be eliminated.
Some service recipients, over the two-year period, may be eligible for Adult Mental Health (AMH) rule 79 for targeted case management funding. Current workload for AMH case management does not allow for the county work team to implement the pilot program. That’s why a new hire is needed in order to develop the program and deliver the service.
County commissioners pledge to support the new program in order to succeed. They also pledge to conduct a thorough analysis after completion of the two-year pilot program.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners proclaimed April 2025 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in Otter Tail County. The board called on county residents to dedicate themselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children and families.
“Our children are our most valuable resources and will shape the future of Otter Tail County,” said County Board Chairman Wayne Johnson of Pelican Rapids. “The effects of child abuse are felt by entire communities.”
County Human Services supervisors Krista Fix and Stephanie Olson point out that effective child abuse prevention succeeds because of partnerships created between families, professionals, educators, faith-based organizations, businesses and others.
County board members were unanimous in saying that communities in Otter Tail County must make every effort to promote programs and activities that create strong and thriving children and families.
“We in county government, along with county residents, need to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families in a safe, stable and nurturing environment,” Board Chairman Johnson stated. “Prevention remains the best defense for our children and families.”